Trump and Putin Discuss Ukraine Peace Negotiations in Landmark Call**

Amid ongoing conflict, President Trump asserts progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine following a significant two-hour conversation with President Putin, while concerns about Russia's military actions and negotiation tactics linger.**

A significant two-hour phone call occurred yesterday between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin, centering on the conflict in Ukraine. Following the discussion, Putin addressed reporters, indicating a willingness to engage in peace deal negotiations; however, he reiterated his demand for substantial concessions from Ukraine. In a contrasting take, President Trump conveyed a more positive outcome on social media, suggesting that both Russia and Ukraine would "immediately start negotiations towards a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War." He also mentioned having brief conversations with Ukraine’s president and various European leaders.

This high-stakes dialogue come at a time of growing frustration within the Trump administration regarding Putin’s hesitance to agree to an immediate cease-fire, particularly given Ukraine’s expressed readiness for such an agreement. Vice President JD Vance echoed these sentiments during the day, casting doubt on Putin’s strategy moving forward as he questioned the Russian leader's plan to de-escalate the conflict.

Additionally, discussions included a potential nine-for-nine prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia, as relayed by Putin’s foreign policy advisor to Russian news outlets. Meanwhile, Russia’s military presence near the Finnish border appears to be intensifying, raising alarms among analysts who foresee the area becoming increasingly volatile.